Wisconsin is currently facing unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke drifting from Canada. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory, which will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14. The smoke has caused PM2.5 pollution levels to climb into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” and “Unhealthy” categories, which poses a risk to sensitive individuals, including children, seniors, and people with heart or lung diseases.
Impact of Smoke Across the State
The worst air quality is expected in northern Wisconsin, particularly in counties like Vilas, Ashland, and Oneida. In these areas, the air quality could reach “Very Unhealthy” levels, which could have serious health effects for all residents. In central and southeastern areas, including cities like Madison, Milwaukee, and Fond du Lac, air quality will remain poor throughout Monday morning, although conditions are expected to be slightly better in the far southwest parts of the state.
Specific Effects in Different Cities
In Milwaukee, residents will experience reduced visibility and the smell of smoke, while Green Bay and Appleton will see increased health concerns due to the smoke. Outdoor activities across Dane, Waukesha, and Racine counties could be disrupted, as the air quality continues to worsen. People with asthma are advised to keep their rescue inhalers nearby, and all residents should avoid strenuous exercise. It is also recommended to keep windows closed to limit smoke exposure.
Ongoing Effects and Additional Advisories
The smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to affect Wisconsin until midday Monday, but further advisories may be issued if wind conditions shift or the smoke lingers longer than anticipated. For real-time updates on air quality, residents are encouraged to visit the Wisconsin Air Quality website for current conditions.
